New Landmark buyer emerges after deal falls apart

WOONSOCKET, R.I. (AP) — A new buyer has emerged for Woonsocket's troubled Landmark Medical Center after a for-profit Massachusetts hospital group backed out of a deal to acquire the hospital.

The Providence Journal reports that Landmark signed a new purchase agreement with California-based Prime Healthcare Services on Thursday, the same day Steward Health Care System formally withdrew its purchase plans.

A senior Prime executive tells the paper Friday the company plans to invest $60 million over five years. It doesn't expect to reduce services but hasn't made a decision about staff cuts.

Landmark has been in receivership since 2008, and any purchase agreement has to win court approval.

The paper reports that Landmark will have to repay Steward a $7 million loan used to eliminate debt and pay operational costs and salaries.